35 We are old men now, Akuchi, Oumar, and I. Uma and I still have a happy union and we are surrounded by sons and daughters, and their own children. My father, alas, died of an infection after a wound to his leg as the library was being constructed. After my uncle died, my auntie and the extended family came to reside in the city, adding even more in the manner of brothers, sisters, cousins, and more cousins. It fills my heart with joy, and I thank Allah each day for this blessing. After the library is constructed, Akuchi commissions a university and students come from far away to attend. The kingdom continues to prosper and becomes rich under Mansa Akuchi’s guidance. Oumar and I talk at times, but the easy companionship never returned after I found him worshiping the idol. The pagan go

